Company boosts charity

A SERIES of happy coincidences led to a 500 cheque for one good cause in Sussex this Christmas.

Children s charity STARS raises money for youngsters who suffer from Reflex Anoxic Seizures (RAS), a serious condition which causes the heart to stop, the eyes to roll up into the head, the jaw to clench and the body to stiffen when the sufferer experiences unexpected shock or pain.

Such seizures may occur up to three times a day, and the child can remain unconscious for up to one hour per seizure. George, the five-and-a-half-year-old son of Alison Moody of Willingford Lane, Burwash, is such a sufferer.

Alison said: 'Unfortunately, because of its symptoms, it is believed that RAS is often misdiagnosed as breath-holding temper tantrums or, more seriously, as epilepsy.

'This group has therefore been established at the request of an eminent paediatric neurologist to bring about more public awareness, aid research and reassure sufferers and their families.

When the Abbott Group Ltd of Golden Cross, Hailsham was looking for a cause to support at Christmas, one member of staff recalled an organisation which had been backed earlier in the year by his wife and the Hailsham Flower Club. That organisation was STARS (Syncope Trust and Anoxic Reflex Seizures).

Cash raised by a raffle and other fund-raising activities at the official opening of the Abbott Group s new staff canteen in Hailsham on December 21 was presented to STARS a cheque for 500.

'I am absolutely delighted that by a series of happy coincidences Abbott Group Ltd have decided to donate the funds raised at the opening of the canteen to the cause, said Alison. 'When I spoke to the director of the company he told me he never raises money to get publicity.

'When George was two he was fitted with a pacemaker as part of a trial treatment which stops the symptoms, but does not cure the disorder. This treatment has given him freedom and independence which has been critical over his pre-school and early school years.

'We would like to find a gentler, long-term solution and can only do this with support from many fields including companies like the Abbott Group and the press.